Sanders, who missed 10 games last season and 12 in 2006, said he responded favorably this week following the practices.

“I feel good,” Sanders said. “I haven’t really had any problems. I’ve got a lot more work to do; I’m getting my time in, fits and all that stuff back to where it has been and just keep going. As long as we don’t have any setbacks I think I’m going to be cool.”

Throughout his career, Sanders has stressed the need to balance his desire to play with the necessity of approaching returning from injuries in an intelligent, prudent manner. He did so again Friday.

“As a player, you always want to play but you’ve also got to be a little realistic about your injuries and your surgeries and all that,” he said. “I’m just taking my time and when I’m ready and it’s time to get out there, I’ll definitely be out there.”

This team isn’t going to tip it’s hand. If Bob makes the trip down tomorrow, he’s going to play.